Italy Trip #25: Opera Del Duomo Museum Highlights

Welcome to the 25th blog of our Italy tour. On this blog we'll show you some of the amazing things in the Opera Del Duomo Museum of Florence. 

Main part of museum with many sculptures

Statues in the courtyard

WHAT IS THE OPERA DEL DUOMO? - It's actually the Cathedral Workshop or "works commission." It was founded by the Republic of Florence in 1296 to oversee the construction of the new cathedral and its bell tower. In 1436, the Cathedral was finished with the completion of Brunelleschi's dome.Since then, the main task for the Opera del Duomo has been to conserve the monuments - including the Baptistry of San Giovanni. In 1891, the Museum was founded (according to visitflorence.com). Following are some of the highlights.

 

One of 2 choir lofts

1) BIG INSIDE COURTYARD - The first part of the museum displays many Gothic sculptures that were inside the cathedral and on its first facade. 

Courtyard statues

 2) TWO SCULPTED CHOIR LOFTS - These once stood in the Duomo: one was sculpted by Luca della Robbia (1431-38) and the other by Donatello (1433-39).

Nice butt!

 3) The museum also displays construction materials and instruments used for Brunelleschi's dome, such as pulleys, buckets and brick molds. (we didn't take pictures because pulleys and buckets aren't that exciting!)

Pieta with Jesus' broken leg

4) Michelangelo’s Florence Pietà (Jesus with the broken leg) - On the landing between the two floors is Michelangelo's Pietà (begun around 1550) that used to stand in the Duomo. It is widely believed that he intended it for his own tomb; the hooded figure of Nicodemus is often interpreted as a self-portrait. The damage to Christ's left leg and arm is believed to have been inflicted by Michelangelo himself in frustration at his failing skills.

NEXT: The Museum's Golden Doors and Ugly Statue!